Bulldogs pip Tams, tie for Spikers lead

NATIONAL University survived a big test before another big game.

The Bulldogs outlasted a tenacious Far Eastern University squad in a five-set thriller, 25-23, 19-25, 22-25, 25-21,15-13, yesterday to stay unbeaten in four games in the Spikers’ Turf Collegiate Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena.

Bryan Bagunas, Fauzi Ismail and Madzian Gampong delivered the hits that mattered as the Bulldogs overcame an error-prone outing and rallied from a 1-2 set deficit.

The victory kept the Bulldogs on top with idle Emilio Aguinaldo College just five days before the two leaders and early quarterfinalists fight for the solo Group A lead.

University of Philippines also overcame an early scare before carving out a 23-25, 25-16, 25-19, 25-22 decision over De La Salle-Dasmariñas to secure a quarterfinal seat from Group B.

Bagunas unleashed 23 points on 19 kills, three blocks and an ace, to power the Bulldogs against the Tamaraws.

Ismail also starred with 22 points and Gampong tallied 19 for the Bulldogs, who pulled off the win despite committing a whopping 41 errors.

Wendel Miguel, Alfred Gerard Valbuena and Julius Evan Raymundo, meanwhile, helped the Maroons quickly get back into form after the winless Patriots stunned them in the first set, 23-25.

“We were a little sluggish in the first set but we made the necessary adjustments to get this win,” said UP coach Melchor Santos after the Maroons climbed to a share of second with idle La Salle at 3-1.

Miguel fired 19 points, including 17 kills, as the Maroons came out all focused in the second set to erect a wide 21-10 advantage.

Valbuena added 15 points and Raymundo finished with 11.